Display-rack



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- J. A. FITZGERALD.

DISPLAY RAOK.

No. 383,117. Patented May 22, 1888.

UNITED STATES pATlENT Diaries.

JAMES A. FITZGERALD, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

DISPLAY-RACK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 383,115, dated May 22, 1888.

Application filed June 15, 1887.

T0 aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that T, J AMES A. FITZGERALD, of Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvementsin Display ing-Racks; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the inventio11,such as willenable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to an improvement in displaying-racks, and relates more particularly to that class of racks used in stores for displaying wallpaper, cloth, and like articles of merchandise, the object of the same being to construct a rack that-will be simple, durable, and effective in use, and one that can be manufactured at a slight initial cost.

A further object is to provide a displayingrack that may be folded and stored away without occupying much room.

A further object is to provide means for locking the rack in open adjustment.

With these ends in view my invention con sists in certain features of construction and combinations of parts, as will be hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a view in perspective of my displayrack in open adjustment. Fig. 2 is a view of the same in rear perspective. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the frame closed.

A represents a rectangular frame composed, preferably, ofwood, and having the side strips a a the end strips 1) b and the middle strip b secured together or made integral with each other.

13 represents the base, composed, as above, of side strips 0 0, end strips d cl, and a middle strip, d", joined together or made integral. The end strip d of the base B extends slightly above the level of the base proper, and acts as a stop for the cloth bolt or paper roll when in position on the rack and prevents them from unwinding.

Located on the inner sides of the side strips 0 c of the frame B are inwardly-projecting pins or lugs 9, having heads 6 adapted to en gage guideways O, secured to the frame A. These guideways project beyond the rear face of the frame A, and consist,preferably,of metal Serial No. 241,392. (No modcll strips having U-shaped termination f, and provided with perforationsfflto allow of its attachment to the inner side of the side bars a a of the frame A. The middle bar I) of the frame A is slotted a greater portion of its length, as at g, to admit of the entrance of the supporting-rod D when the latter is folded. This construction of parts permits the frame Ato fold down or rest solidly on the base A. This supportingrod above referred to consists, preferably, of a narrow strip of wood hinged at its upper end to the middle bar b at a point sufiiciently far up to solidly support the frame A when it is in its open adjustment. The supporting-rod is further provided about midway of its length with an outwardly-projecting lug or pin, h, provided with a head, h, adapted to enter the slot of a guide-bar, 7f, secured to the middle bar I)". This bar consists, preferably, of a metal strip provided with a slot, k, of sufficient length to permit of the sliding movement of the pin it therein when the position of the supporting-rod D is changed.

When it is desired to unfold the device and put it in position for the (lisplayment of articles, the free end I) of the frame A is lifted and assumes an approximate vertical position, being guided to such position by the guideways. When its upward movement is checked by the engagement of the pin with the end of the guideway, the supporting-rod D will, on account of gravity and the manner in which itis hinged, swing out from the middle bar until checked by the guideway and lug, and thereby brace the frame A against collapsing.

The advantages possessed by my device are manifold, inasmuch as it combines lightness and durability with cheapness and effectiveness.

Many slight changes might be resorted to in the form and arrangement of the several parts described, as well as in the material employed, without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. Hence I do not wish to limit 'myselfstrictly to the exact construction herein set forth; but,

Having fully described my invention,what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- 1. A displayingrack consisting of a pair of frames having a sliding pivotal connection with each other, one of said frames having a recess therein, and a supporting-rod adapted to enter said recess when the rack is closed, substantially as setforth.

2. In a displayingrack, the combination, with a pair of frames having a pivotal sliding engagement with each other,one of said frames having a recess therein, of a supporting-rod hinged to one frame and adapted to enter said recess when the rack is closed, and a slotted bar loosely connecting the rod to one frame for holding the latter in bracedposition, substantially as set forth.

3. A displaying rack composed of two frames having a sliding pivotal engagement, of a supportingrod hingedto one frame, and a connecting slotted guide-bar pivoted to one frame and having a sliding connection with the supportingrodmhereby the several parts may be folded together or have their relative positions varied,-snbstantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JAMES A. FITZGERALD.

Witnesses:

JEREMIAH F. DONOVAN, PATRICK :MOGARRON. 

